Amidst the deflating feeling that only a Manchester derby defeat can bring, fans will be keen to cling to any promising aspect of Manchester United’s current affairs.
A silver lining recently – despite the loss – has been Andre Onana. Pundits, journalists and supporters have recognised that the goalkeeper looks to have finally found his feet in the top flight following a difficult transition to English football.
The Times writer Henry Winter claimed after last week’s FA Cup win that he was ‘impressed’ with Onana, who was ‘reliable, safe, [made] some decent saves and a clean sheet, more like his Ajax/Inter self.”
He previously came under fire for numerous costly mistakes, particularly in the Champions League when the Reds exited the competition at the earliest stage by finishing rock-bottom of Group A, and divided opinions over whether he was well-suited to the role of United’s number one.
The Cameroonian has been deployed behind an ever-changing backline since arriving at Old Trafford, with the debilitating injury crisis hitting the defensive department the hardest across the squad. Such a factor has evidently taken its toll on the man between the sticks.
Onana records impressive feat vs City
During Sunday’s Manchester derby, Onana completed eight successful high claims, as per WhoScored – a feat that no other Premier League goalkeeper has achieved so far this season. Last term, former Red David de Gea made 14 in total across the campaign.
André Onana made 8 successful high claims against Manchester City yesterday, more than any goalkeeper has managed in a Premier League match this season. 🧤
David De Gea made a total of 14 across the entirety of last season… 👀 pic.twitter.com/aWPfp5F3YV
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) March 4, 2024
